Classics Revisited: Nike Zoom LeBron II “Chamber of Fear” (2005)

The earliest LeBron-centric ad campaign on a global level was in conjunction with the launch of his second signature shoe known as the Nike Zoom LeBron II. Inspired by old-school Chinese kung-fu films, Nike unveiled the ‘Chamber of Fear’, created as a multi-level test of LeBron’s inner character with various obstacles like Hype, Temptation, Haters, Complacency, and Self-Doubt. Nike embraced the popular concept by creating an interactive online video game, with limited edition posters and baller-ID bands as gifts, and even a limited set of Air Force 1 Lows themed after each of those obstacles were produced and became one of the more sought-after AF1s of the decade.

This Player Exclusive of the LeBron II is a tribute to the Chamber of Fear, composed with a White/Red/Gold colorway matching LeBron’s China-inspired gear in that commercial with Chinese characters embroidered on the inner side of the tongue (another White/Navy/Red PE was produced as well). The LeBron II ‘Chamber of Fear’ was never actually released to the public, but instead saw a 24-pair distribution to Friends & Family, and it even recently surfaced on an NBA court when Nick Young surprisingly wore a pair during the 2011-2012 NBA Season. More of tonight’s Classics Revisited is just below, so take a look and stay tuned for more LeBron classics throughout the week!